Weekly Communication – Week Commencing 16/09/24

A new programme of inspections, starting in September 2024 and will scrutinise how local services link up in response to domestic abuse following the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

The last time the Joint Targeted Area Inspection focused on this theme was back in 2016, prior to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 release which now makes clear that children are victims of domestic abuse in their own right if they have seen, heard or experienced the effect of the abuse. Joint targeted area inspections to focus on domestic abuse – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. The aim is to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes. White Ribbon works with men and boys to change long-established, and harmful, attitudes, systems and behaviours around rigid gender norms and masculinity that perpetuate inequality and violence. You can find out more via this link – It Starts With Men

The full report of the largest-ever UK study into online violence (also known as online Abuse) against women and girls, designed and led by Professor Olga Jurasz at The Open University, was launched and discussed at the Houses of Parliament.

The launch was in partnership with White Ribbon – a charity dedicated to ending men’s violence against women and girls was attended by politicians, including Alex Davies-Jones MP, Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding, as well as media, charities, industry regulators and policy makers.

The largest-ever UK report into online violence against women launched at Westminster event, urging for action.  You can read more on the Open University website.

Domestic Abuse can occur at any age and is often under reported when it is related to adults over the age of 65. Safeguarding often considers ‘carer’s stress’ when incidents occur, and while one-off events do happen, it needs to be explored to see if there are any patterns or history. Based on the power and control wheel as adapted by Dewis Choice, the aim of this short animation is to help support practitioners and families start a conversation with an older adult.

The animation was co-created by survivors aged between 60 and 93-years-old byDerbyshire SAB, the people with lived experience are now in recovery and living free from harm, fear and abuse. Talking to someone about their behaviour will not mean having to make decisions you are not ready for, but it will create options to help you get the support you need to feel safer and happier.